THERESSA STEPHENS
Theressa Stephens, the co-owner of Church Childcare Center, oversees daily operations to fostering an environment of love and support, she is deeply committed to the center’s mission of providing exceptional care and nurturing for children.
Theressa was raised by her grandparents, and her grandmother played a pivotal role in shaping who she is today. Her grandmother didn’t just look after children in the neighborhood—she was an entrepreneur long before Theressa understood what that meant. People called it babysitting, but it was much more than that. Their home became the place where neighbors trusted them with their spare keys or where kids would wait for the bus. It was the hub of the neighborhood, a place where everyone felt safe and welcome.
As Theressa grew older, she helped her grandmother care for the children in their neighborhood, a formative experience that lasted through her teenage and high school years. By her senior year of high school, Theressa took her first official steps into the childcare field through a co-op program. During 6 period of her high school senior year, she worked from 2 to 6 PM every day. It was clear that this path had a deep impact on her.
Though she went to college and worked in childcare while studying, Theressa decided against pursuing a degree in the field at that time. She knew it wasn’t considered a high-paying profession, so she shifted her focus to business. After earning her degree, she worked in banking and health insurance, but despite her success, she felt unfulfilled.
Her heart eventually led her back to childcare. She started with just two children in her home, eventually opening a licensed family childcare home. She worked out of her home for seven years before expanding and building her first facility in 2005. By 2018, she had outgrown that space and opened a second location.
Theressa’s approach to childcare is rooted in love. Her motto is simple: “providing care for your child’s home away from home.” She believes in offering unconditional love, building self-esteem, and instilling confidence in every child. At Church Childcare Center, they strive to show each child that they can accomplish anything they set their minds to. This love extends to her staff as well. With 40 employees, she fosters a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and cared for.
Theressa has been married for over 27 years and credits her husband for supporting her entrepreneurial journey. Together, they have raised four children, and their family wouldn’t be complete without their dog, Poppy.
In addition to her work, Theressa is also an author. She wrote a book called “Terry Tells The Garden,” which reflects her grandmother’s candy story and emphasizes the importance of making healthy choices—something that ties back to the lessons she learned from her grandmother’s entrepreneurial and community-driven spirit.
Theressa loves gardening, working with numbers, and dancing. At one point, she even considered becoming a math teacher. For her, the key message to parents is this: there is no perfect way to parent. As a young parent herself, she believed that everything had to be perfect, but she’s learned that each child is unique. You have to give yourself grace, be patient, and focus on creating meaningful memories rather than worrying about perfection.
Theressa’s grandmother also ran a neighborhood candy house, baking pies and cakes for the church and neighbors. This early example of resourcefulness and community service shaped Theressa’s outlook. Her grandmother’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to helping others left a lasting impression that continues to guide Theressa today.
Church Childcare Center is a reflection of these values—showing unconditional love to everyone who walks through its doors. The center is a place where people are embraced without judgment, just as Theressa’s grandmother once embraced the neighborhood with her kindness and generosity.